A Guide To The Best Travel-Friendly Utensil Kits To Help Combat Plastic Pollution!
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Become a part of the Bring Your Own Cutlery Movement (BYOC) and help reduce the amount of disposable utensils that end up in the landfill, waterways and oceans each year
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If you’re looking a for a more sustainable way to travel, then adding a reusable utensil set to your travel gear is one of the most planet-friendly gestures you can do.
We live in an era where being good stewards of the Earth is more important than ever. And embracing reusable options when it comes to cutlery is a fantastic way to combat plastic pollution.
I’m sure glad I have a set of reusable utensils. Often times I find myself eating out at restaurants where the utensils are not 100% clean—I’m talking crusty food particles still attached. So I am more than happy to whip out my own set of utensils that I conveniently carry around in my purse.
By the way, if anyone invents portable folding plates, I would be the first one to buy them, because I’ve seen some questionable dishes that I’ve had to send back and have replaced as well.
With that said, we’ve put together a shopping guide to help you find the perfect reusable utensil set that best suits your style.
What Are The Benefits Of Reusable Utensils?
- Reusable cutlery is eco-friendly and helps decrease the amount of plastic utensils that end up in landfills, waterways and oceans.
- Reusable utensils are portable and great for roadtrips, camping, picnics, work and eating out at restaurants. Many are even TSA compliant so you can avoid plastic cutlery at the airport (keep reading for more info on air travel requirements).
- Reusable utensils are non-toxic and durable. You don’t have to worry about micro-plastic or hormone disrupting chemicals leaching into your food, or having your fork snap while you’re trying to chow down.
- If you’re at a restaurant you can set aside their cutlery and use your own. Realizing how many mouths their fork has been in is incredibly cringy.
What Are The Cons Of Reusable Utensils?
- They have to be cleaned after you finish your meal, which isn’t really that big of a deal. If you’re near a public restroom you can easily rinse them under running water. Some people just find this to be an inconvenience.
- You might forget them at home, so we recommend buying at least two sets and keeping one in your purse or car.
- Certain sets might not fit into your purse or pocket depending on how big the carrying case is, and whether or not they are collapsible, so you have to find the right set for your lifestyle.
Which Reusable Utensil Kits Are TSA Compliant?
Going green at the airport is finally a reality since many utensil kits are TSA compliant.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), “Knives, except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives, are not allowed in carry-on bags”.
Hence, as long as you have a non-serrated rounded knife and fork (sporks are excellent too), TSA may approve your reusable utensil kit.
What Are Reusable Utensils Made From?
It used to be that reusable forks and spoons were made of only metal varieties, but today you’ll find that a lot of reusable cutlery is made from some really unique plant-based material that allows them to biodegrade:
- Bamboo
- Coconut
- Wheat Straw
- Rice Husks
- Sustainable Wood (teakwood + acacia)
However, if you’re old fashioned and prefer metal, you can opt for utensils made from stainless steel, aluminum or titanium—both sustainable options that last a lifetime.
To show you how plastic cutlery affects marine life, see the video below by the Leatherback Trust, which features a plastic fork being removed from the nose of a sea turtle— but please know that it is hard to watch to take caution or just skip watching.
With that said, below are reusable utensils for every kind of person. Each set is durable, stylish and most importantly, they help save marine life.
Best On-The-Go Cutlery Sets For Sustainable Travel
1. Outlery Stainless Steel Portable Cutlery
These eco-friendly utensils by Outlery are made from stainless steel and assemble in seconds! We love the compact recycled tin container which fits easily into your purse, fanny pack and even back pocket. They are also available in a variety of colors.
Features
- Cutlery Case Measures 3.2 x 2.5 inches
- Includes Fork, Spoon And Knife
- Assembles In Seconds
- Dishwasher Safe
2. TopBooc Stainless Steel Portable Utensil Set
TOPBOOC reusable utensils are made from food grade stainless steel, and are stored in a convenient travel case. This generous utensil kit is also available in various matte colors, and is very budget-friendly.
Features
- Cutlery Case Measures 9 Inches
- Includes 2 Straws, One Set of Chopsticks, Fork, Spoon, Knife and Straw Cleaning Brush
- Dishwasher Safe
3. ToGo Ware Bamboo Travel Utensil Set
This simple travel utensil set by To Go Ware is made from 100% organic bamboo and comes with a carrying case that’s constructed from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It also contains a bottle opener carabiner for extra utility—making this an excellent cutlery set not only for travel, but hiking and camping as well.
Features
- Contains Fork, Knife, Spoon, Straw and Chopsticks
- Heat And Stain Resistant
- Case Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles
- Dishwasher Safe
4. Honbay Wheat Straw Reusable Utensil Set
The HONBAY portable cutlery set is made from biodegradable wheat straw—including the carrying case. The entire set is lightweight and stain resistant, making it ideal for kids’ lunches as well. Lastly, it is available in beige and other fun pastel colors.
Features
- Cutlery Case Measures About 8 Inches
- Contains A Spoon, Fork and One Set Of Chopsticks
- Biodegradable And Compostable
- Dishwasher Safe
5. Magware Magnetic Camping Utensil Set
The Magware magnetic utensil kit is made from lightweight yet durable aluminum, and conveniently connects together. You can actually connect multiple sets and store them all in your kitchen drawer, or inside the recycled polyester case that they come with!
Features
- Case Measures around 7 inches in length
- Entire Utensil Set Connects Together and Contains A Spoon, Fork and Knife
- Case Made From Recycled Polyester and Post-Consumer Plastic Bottles
- Hand-Wash ONLY
6. Britums Reusable Wheat Straw Cutlery Set
This sustainable flatware set with case is made from biodegradable wheat straw and is super compact because the utensils come apart. Available in multiple colors and also perfect as a first-time reusable utensil kit for kids and teens.
Features
- Contains A Fork, Knife, Spoon And One Set Of Chopsticks
- Case Is A Little Over 7 Inches In Length
- Easy To Assemble
7. The Coconut Connection Reusable Cutlery Set
The Coconut Connection reusable cutlery set is made from coconut (and includes a bamboo straw). The utensils are durable, sturdy and the entire kit is aesthetically beautiful—perfect for both men and women.
Features
- Carrying Pouch Measures Around 8 Inches
- Contains A Coconut Fork, Spoon, Knife, One Set Of Chopsticks, A Bamboo Straw And A Straw Cleaning Brush
- Splinter-Free Finish
- Dishwasher Safe, But Hand-Washing Preferred
8. Homquen Portable Utensil Set
This portable tableware set is made from stainless steel and available in several vibrant colors as well as plain silver for all the minimalists out there. It comes with a slim carrying case and comes with several utensils including a cleaning brush for the reusable straws.
Features
- Made From Stainless Steel With Titanium Plating
- Includes Knive/Fork/Spoon/Chopsticks/Straight Straw/Curved Straw/Clean Brush/Portable Case
- Lightweight And Dishwasher Safe
9. EcoStar Wheat Straw Portable Utensil Set
The EcoStar travel utensil set is made of natural organic biodegradable wheat straw fiber that’s durable, lightweight and stain resistant. It also comes with a wheat straw carrying case and comes with three basic utensils—perfect for minimalists.
Features
- Made From Organic Wheat Straw
- Includes Spoon, Fork And Knife
- Lightweight And Dishwasher Safe
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Eco Mom Diaries 
I never thought about bringing my utensils with me when I travel, but this is a good idea.
I love the fact that lots of these come with a small brush as they are lifesavers for cleaning bottles.
This is so cool! My family has a set of camping utensils that this kind of reminded me of; but this is way better! How many times have I gone to a restaurant and had to ask for new utensils that weren’t dirty? – sadly, more than I can count… these are all mine! I love it!
Mermaid color travel utensil are my favourite among this. Thank you for the post!!